"Councils are the Lord's way, and he created all things in the universe through a heavenly council". What a wonderful opportunity to follow the Lord's example in creating our family units here on earth and creating an eternal companionship within the family and home. Family councils provide many opportunities to unite as a family in solving problems, brainstorming ideas of family time together, and creating a safe environment of love and acceptance. "A family council that is patterned after the councils in heaven, filled with Christlike love, and guided by the Lord's Spirit will help us to protect our family from distractions that can steal our precious time together and protect us from the evils of the world" (Ballard).
I remember a very heartfelt council once held in our family. Our daughter had been struggling with feelings of loss and despair and wasn't feeling safe. She was feeling very alone and wasn't quite sure what to do about it. She came and talk with me and her dad and we asked if we could bring this topic up in our next family council. She agreed to the idea. It was amazing to watch her brothers and sister surround her with love. They helped her come up with solutions that might help her and talked about how they could be her safe place if she was afraid. It was the most tender moment between all of my children. This opportunity would've been missed out on if my husband and I handled this situation by ourselves. But we knew we were not enough and needed to reach out to our other children to help our daughter. "Siblings can be mentors to you children if parents will use the family council to enlist their help and support during times of difficulty and duress" (Ballard).
In our family, we like to set aside the first Sunday of each month to meet as a family and discuss any problems that may be occurring as well as look at the calendar for the month. This has opened up the waves of communication and has helped to deepen our relationships as we talk about things going on in our lives. We have not done this, but I love the idea of going around the room and expressing love and gratitude for each member of the family. What a great time to focus on each individual and express what that individual contributes to the family.
One other council I love is the one on one council with my children. This council often happens in the car when we are driving. I like to turn the radio off and just talk with them. I find that because the environment is a little less formal and stress free, they can open up and talk with me about what is going in their lives. These moments have provided special moments of bonding both spiritually and emotionally.
If you are holding family councils with your families, that is wonderful. I encourage you to read this talk and see if any changes need to be made to deepen the significance of the council within your family. If you have yet to start holding regular family councils, I invite you to do so. Read this talk with an open mind and try to discover how your family council might look for your family.
"There was a time when the walls of our homes provided all the defense we needed against outside intrusions and influences. Those days are now gone. Fortunately, the Lord has provided a way to counter the invasion of negative technology that can distract us from spending quality time with each other. He has done this by providing the council system to strengthen, protect, safeguard, and nurture our most precious relationships (Ballard).
Ballard, M. Russell. Family Council. General Conference April 2016.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2016/04/family-councils?lang=chk
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